Moving with pets. How to move to Los Angeles with your pet

Keep your pet safe when moving to LA

When moving to new cities such as Los Angeles, every member of your family should be at ease. Cats, dogs and other animals are especially sensitive to relocating. Imagine if you can’t read, understand all of the jabber around you and all you see is the chaos of boxes and stressed out humans everywhere. Sounds even more stressful, right? That’s why it is very important to look after your pets during the process of moving to LA. The secret to pet relocation is planning. Follow these tips we are suggesting you and make moving with pets stress-free.

Become familiar with pet regulations and rules

Check the regulations and rules for California State before moving with your pet

You should check the rules and regulations before moving with pets. Usually you need to bring certificates with you showing that your pet has had the proper inspections and vaccines. These requirements may differ in LA and your old home. Your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications or certain certificates. A call to the local animal control facility should answer your questions.

Get a check-up. It is essential to check these regulations, especially if you haven’t lived in California State before:

California State rules. Each state has its own regulations for pet owners. Find California’s Veterinary Office or Department of Agriculture.

Local LA ordinances. Check with the City Clerk’s office in Los Angeles to find out about local ordinances.

Apartments & Condos. Many communities do not permit cats and dogs, let alone exotic pets like snakes, iguanas and tarantulas. Make sure that you know the policies for your furry (and scaly) friends and any extra costs they charge for pets.

Health certificates. Many states require a health certificate for dogs and some require it for cats and other pets as well. Check out California’s requirements.

Rabies tags. Most states require a rabies tag for cats, dogs, and some exotic animals.

Permits. You may need to purchase a permit before your exotic pet can enter California State. Ask your veterinarian for help with the application process.

Talk to your current vet and find a new one in Los Angeles

When moving with pets, your veterinarian can be a great resource and help you a lot. If you have an animal that dislikes traveling, your vet can suggest behavior modification techniques or medication that can make traveling less stressful for your pet. When talking to your vet, also discuss micro-chipping.

Talk to your veterinarian about what’s the best for your furry friend when moving to LA

You should find a new vet in LA before moving day. Your current vet may be able to make recommendations for colleagues he or she knows in the City of Los Angeles. When finding a new vet, it is recommended to set up an appointment as soon as you move in order to get established.

Keep your pet safe when moving

These equipment will guarantee your furry friends’ safety while moving with pets to LA. These items will help you find your pets if they get lost. Also, there are tools to keep them with you while traveling and papers for helping them if they get hurt.

ID tags. If your pet can wear a collar, put one on and attach an ID tag. (For birds, put the tag on a leg band.) The tag should include the pet’s name, your name, and the destination address and your number.

Microchips. Pets with microchips are entered into a pet recovery system so if your pet gets loose, you’ll be contacted once it’s found.

Pictures. Keep a photograph of your pet so you can show your new neighbors what your pet looks like if it gets lost.

Collars. Make sure you have collars on your pets while they’re traveling.

Leashes. Keep a chain and leash for your dog to keep them in your new yard if you have to wait for a fence to be built.

Pet carriers. If you’re traveling by airplane, any pet in the cabin must be in a pet carrier. In a car, some pets are less stressed in a carrier rather than on the loose.

Records. Getting your pet’s health records from your veterinarian will help a new vet in LA provide the best care for your pet.

Travel tip

Make sure you have all the proper paperwork for California State on your pet

Make sure that your pet’s identification tags are up to date before your move. Include your cell phone number on the tag so you can be contacted while you are traveling. You may also want to consider having your pet micro chipped, to assist them in getting back to you if they become lost.

Transport your pet safely to Los Angeles

Traveling by car

Keep your pet in its carrier if it is acting nervous or distracting you while driving

Get a secure carrier if you are traveling by car. Make sure the carrier has enough breathing room and enough room for the animal to stand up. It is important not to leave animals in a car during the warm weather as the temperature if too high, can kill them. Also, do not to put your animal in a trunk, or any place that can strangle them. Cats can be moved in a carrier and you may want to consider purchasing a harness for your dog. Make sure you break your animal in a month or two ahead of time with these items to make the transportation easier for them. You can also check with your local vet to see if there are any calming medications you can give to your pet before the move.

Traveling by airplane

If you are moving your pet by air or internationally, check all rules and regulations far ahead of the day you plan to leave. Also, remember to keep your pet’s special documentation at hand. Check with your airline to confirm they allow pets. Depending on the airline, there may be certain rules, regulations, and restrictions so you want to make sure you are prepared. It is a federal law that pets must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned from their mother before being able to be transported by air. Try not to feed your animal about 4-5 hours before the flight and water a couple hours before taking off.

It is good to know: Dogs are welcome in LA

Dogs are welcome in three LA beaches

If you are moving to Los Angeles with your dog, both of you will have some special treats! LA is a very dog-friendly city with plenty of welcoming restaurants with outdoor yards, boarding and daycare facilities, shopping centers, dog parks and, believe it or not, dog hotels. Nevertheless, dogs are not allowed on the beach (just on the beach boardwalks and on Santa Monica Pier), but there are three designated dog beaches: